When death ends a marriage, the surviving spouse inherits everything free of tax.

The rule created a burden for many family-owned businesses, prompting Congress to change the law so that the surviving spouse could inherit unlimited amounts tax-free.

If the surviving spouse was a joint owner, or inherited the house from the deceased spouse, the tax basis of the home would be increased.

Her spouse inherited most of her wealth, including 20 paintings by Vermeer.

Thus, the state posthumously recognizes common-law marriages to ensure that a surviving spouse inherits without any difficulty.

Regardless of your wishes, your spouse or registered civil partner will not automatically inherit your entire estate.

For example, the surviving spouse of a childless couple could only inherit one-tenth of the deceased fortune, while the rest was taken by the state.

The surviving spouse inherits part or all of the estate of a spouse who dies intestate.

Or your spouse could inherit your private account and the benefit cut that went with it.

In most states, a spouse automatically inherits from a deceased partner.